·
·
Football
European football's governing body fined the Spanish club after fans threw toilet paper rolls onto the pitch during a Champions League semi-final.
A €15,000 fine has been imposed on Atletico Madrid by UEFA. The sanction stems from fan behavior during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, played at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
The penalty was triggered when a number of Atletico supporters threw rolls of toilet paper onto the field as the players entered. The act, while generating an atmosphere of excitement in the stands, was deemed a violation of the continental body's regulatory code.
UEFA explained its decision is grounded in Article 16.2(b) of its regulations, which prohibits the throwing of any objects onto the pitch. The governing body considered that even without any match stoppages or incidents, such behavior could pose a risk to public safety or affect the flow of the game.
Reports indicate the fine has caused surprise within the Spanish club, particularly given the match proceeded normally with no direct impact on security or gameplay.
Arsenal ultimately overcame Atletico Madrid in the semi-final, winning 2-1 on aggregate. The English side advanced to face Paris Saint-Germain in the final, scheduled for May 30.
